Things to Do in Guadalajara Historic Centre, Jalisco, Mexico

Are you wondering if Guadalajara, Jalisco is worth a visit or not? If so, then I hope this 5km long self-guided walk around Guadalajara’s Historic Centre will help you to make the decision. The route we put together connects all the main historical buildings and sights you can’t miss when visiting the city.

Welcome to the first blog post of my Guadalajara, Jalisco series in Mexico. We spent 3 weeks in Guadalajara, took many incredible day trips, tried a ton of Mexican food and all in all we fell in love with this area of the country. Therefore, I hope this series will help you to plan your itinerary, see what to expect or convince you that there’s more to see in Mexico than Cancun.

If you’d like to see our Guadalajara adventures then make sure to watch our YouTube video by clicking here. You can also check out our Mexico Playlist for more adventures.

Introducing Guadalajara, Jalisco

Guadalajara is located to the north-west of Mexico in the State of Jalisco close to the Pacific Ocean. It is the most populated city in the State of Jalisco. With a population of nearly 1.5 million, it’s considered the second most densely populated city in Mexico. Right behind Mexico City, it’s the second most important economic centre in the country. In addition, with a greater metropolitan population just over 5 million, Guadalajara is also the second most populated metropolitan area in the country. 

Whilst the city has become the technological and financial hub of Mexico and is often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of Mexico’, it’s also considered the cultural centre of the country with rich history and traditions. Guadalajara and its surrounding areas are home to the birthplace of Tequila, the origins of mariachi music and where massive cultural events are held such as the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) and Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL). 

Guadalajara Travel Guide – Read This Before Your Visit

If you’re looking for answers to common questions such as where to stay, how to stay safe during your visit and how best to get around Guadalajara then make sure to check out my detailed blog post below.

The blog post includes answers to the following questions:

• Is Guadalajara Safe?
• Do You Need to Speak Spanish in Guadalajara?
• How To Get to Guadalajara?
• Where to Stay in Guadalajara?
• Best Ways to Move Around Guadalajara

Guadalajara Historic Centre Walk

Below you’ll find famous landmarks that cover pretty much all the must see attractions within Guadalajara’s Historic Centre. 

For reference, we started our 5km walk from Juarez station. Depending on where you’re based, make sure to adjust the itinerary.

Top Tip – Try to plan your Guadalajara Historic Centre walk between Tuesday and Sunday as many museums will be closed on Mondays. If you can, I also suggest aiming for a weekday to avoid massive crowds.

1. Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento

If you’re starting your 5km Guadalajara Historic Centre walk from Juarez station, then your first landmark to visit should be the beautiful Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and is considered one of the greatest works in the country. 

This neo-Gothic style Catholic Church was built between 1897 and 1972. The architect was Adamo Boari, an Italian architect who also worked on other famous buildings in Mexico City such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Palacio de Correos de Mexico. 

I recommend checking out the church’s interior too.

Entry Information – It’s free to visit, but please be respectful and don’t wear hats or caps and don’t use flash when taking photos inside. It is open from 7AM to 11PM daily.

2. Museo de las Artes Universidad de Guadalajara (MUSA UDG)

Do you like art? If so, then just across from Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento you can visit the Museo de las Artes aka MUSA. It has a great collection of artworks and murals by famous Mexican artists and also displays different international exhibitions.

I personally don’t know much about art, but apparently MUSA is one of the best places within the city to see José Clemente Orozco murals. Although, as you’ll see below, you’ll be able to admire his work in multiple places around Guadalajara. 

Entry Information – The museum is is only open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays, like many museums around Mexico. It is free to enter and you can also request a free guided tour. Click here for more information about MUSA.

3. Jardin del Carmen

As you make your way towards your next main feature along this Guadalajara Historic Centre walk, I recommend stopping at Jardin del Carmen. It is a lovely green space that provides a bit of shelter from the heat, but also has a few significant features that are worth stopping for. 

In the centre of the square, you’ll see a very beautiful quarry fountain, a bronze bust of José Paulino Rolón Alcaraz and also a monument dedicated to Father Cuellar.

Commonly known as José Rolón, he was a well-known Mexican composer, conductor, pianist and also music teacher. Father Cuellar was a citizen of Guadalajara who was passionate about children in need. He rented a house to provide homes for homeless children and orphans. Apparently this is how the Ciudad de Los Niños del Padre Cuellar was founded which is located in Zapopan. Father Cuellar also provided these children with a chance at education.

4. Los Dos Templos

Your next stop along the Guadalajara Historic Centre walk should be the Los Dos Templos, located to the south-east of Jardin del Carmen. 

As the name suggests, at Los dos Templos you’ll find two iconic temples called Temple of Our Lady of Aránzazu (Templo de Nuestra Señora de Aranzazú) and Temple of San Francisco de Asís (Templo de San Francisco de Asís.) 

The first one was built between 1749 and 1752 as part of the great complex made up of the San Francisco convent and five attached chapels. The other church was built between 1668 and 1692 by the Franciscans. It actually stands on the site of an earlier Franciscan church and convent which was extremely simple. 

There was a service inside the first church and it was packed so we could only have a brief sneak-peak of the beautiful interior.

The entire square is beautiful and offers a ton of photo opportunities.

5. Plaza de Armas

From Los Dos Templos, head to the north towards the buzzing Plaza de Armas which is Guadalajara’s ‘Plaza Mayor’ or main square. 

In many Spanish colonial cities the main squares are located in the centre of both religious and non-religious power. The buildings that hold these kinds of powers are normally a cathedral, a government building and a court. You can also see this in Guadalajara as the plaza is surrounded by the Guadalajara Cathedral to the north, the Government Palace to the east and the State of Jalisco Courthouse is located next to the Teatro Degollado a bit further away.

Here you can just sit on one of the benches, listen to mariachi tunes and watch as people go about their daily activities. It’s also a pretty photogenic area so make sure to snap a few creative photos. 

Did you know? – The plaza was renovated in 1910 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence. The bandstand you see in the centre of the plaza was actually a gift from the president at the time. The structure was built in Paris and has eight pillars in the form of female figures representing different musical instruments. Clothes were added to the figures after it arrived to Guadalajara as residents thought the figures were inappropriately dressed. 

6. Palacio de Gobierno

Whilst you’re enjoying the atmosphere at the Plaza de Armas, make sure to have a closer look at the surrounding buildings. As I mentioned above, the square is home to the Palacio de Gobierno or Government Palace. The building you see today was actually built in 1750 on the remains of the previous government building that was unfortunately destroyed by an earthquake. 

Apparently, inside the building there are murals by José Clemente Orozco. (I told you that you’ll find his work all over the city.)

7. Guadalajara Cathedral

You can’t come to Guadalajara’s Historic Centre and not visit the most distinct landmark in the city: The Guadalajara Cathedral. Also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady it is a Roman Catholic Cathedral and also a minor basilica.

Did you know? – This isn’t Guadalajara’s first cathedral. The first one was built around 1541 across from Teatro Degollado. In 1574, neighbours fired guns into the air and the bullets landed in the thatched roof that caught fire and damaged the building. 

Works on the current cathedral started around 1558 which replaced the first more modest one. Today’s cathedral was built in the Spanish Renaissance style and was consecrated in 1618. Its towers however were re-built in a Neo-Gothic style after an earthquake destroyed the originals. The Cathedral actually continues to be in danger as further earthquakes caused some damage to the building. 

The building is home to many Catholic altars and relics and its interior is definitely worth a visit.

Entry Information – You can visit the cathedral for free every day between 8AM and 8PM. 

8. Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres

Located just to the north of Guadalajara Cathedral is the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres. The rotunda was designed by Vicente Mendiola in 1952 and was built in a neoclassical style. It has 17 columns that support a quarry ring.

The rotunda honours the memory of famous leaders in the arts, sciences, education, politics and human rights of Jalisco. You guessed it, José Clemente Orozco is one of them. 

Fun Fact – Initially the rotunda was called Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres because it housed the remains of men until the remains of two females – Irene Robledo and Rita Pérez Jiménez – were placed there too in 2000. 

9. Plaza de la Liberación and Teatro Degollado

The next stop on your Guadalajara Historic Centre walk should be Plaza de la Liberacion and Teatro Degollado. They’re located just to the east of Guadalajara Cathedral. The square is also known as the ‘Plaza of the Three Powers or Plaza of the Two Cups’. It is because the square is home to two massive fountains in the shape of cups. You’ll also find a bronze statue of Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costill breaking the chains of slavery. 

The square is pretty lively with flea markets, souvenir shops, benches and tons of places to eat and drink.

At the other end, you’ll see the neoclassical Mexican theatre, Teatro Degollado. It was constructed during Mexico’s 1800s theatrical movement and is considered one of the best preserved in Latin America. There are many Mexican and also international performances that take place in the building. 

For events and tickets check out the theatre’s Facebook page by clicking here.

10. Plaza de los Mariachis

From the theatre, head to the Plaza de los Mariachis located just to the south-east. It was originally created as the meeting point for mariachis from Guadalajara, and today you can still enjoy the appearances of bands.

The plaza is definitely one of the busiest places in Guadalajara as it’s packed with bars and restaurants that offer traditional dishes, live music and of course tequila.

11. Mercado Libertad

Do you like visiting markets? If so, then you have to visit Mercardo Libertad (or Mercado San Juan de Dios) during your Guadalajara Historic Centre walk.

With 40,000 sq. metres, it’s one of the largest roofed markets in Mexico and in Latin-America. There are nearly 3,000 stands spread across three floors. On the first floor you’re likely to find groceries, sweets, clothes, jewellery, arts and crafts. If you get a bit peckish from all the shopping, then head to the second floor which offers a variety of restaurants offering typical Mexican food.

Once you’re full, head to the third floor, which is a newer addition to the market selling imported goods, clothes and electrics.

It’s definitely a crazy place with the stalls being super close to one another, but it’s also a must visit in my opinion. 

Entry Information – The market is open every day and free to visit.

12. Hospicio Cabanas

Last but not least, from the market head to the east to visit Hospicio Cabanas, one of the oldest and largest hospital complexes in the Americas.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hospicio Cabanas was built in the 19th century to provide shelter for the disadvantaged. It was designed to meet the needs of its occupants such as orphans, seniors, disabled and chronically ill people. It lasted as a hospital until the 20th century before the Cabañas Cultural Institute moved in in 1980. 

One of the main reasons to visit the place is – you guessed it – to see some of José Clemente Orozco’s work including his most famous one called The Man on Fire. It was pretty impressive and definitely the highlight of the whole complex, so make sure not to skip it!

Entry Information – It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10AM and 6PM, but closed on Mondays. The entry fee is only MX$80 and you can spend as long as you want there.

Where to Eat in Guadalajara?

One thing is for sure when you visit Guadalajara – and Mexico in general – you won’t go hungry. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and street vendors to buy food from. Where to eat will mainly depend on your diet and budget.

You can find food at the markets such as Mercado Libertad, which has an entire floor dedicated to very affordable food. There are plenty of places around Plaza de la Liberación too. 

Not far from Templo Expiatorio is Chapultepec Avenue which is a lively tree-lined street. The street is packed with bars and restaurants and is also a great place for a night out. The prices here are probably slightly more than what you would pay at the markets.

If you love cupcakes and cakes in general, you have to stop at Pastelerías Marisa along Chapultepec Avenue. Her story of starting her now successful business from her garage is very inspiring. I found a podcast interview with her which you can watch here.

Without doubt, one of our ultimate favourite places to eat was at La Ambivalencia Taquería. It’s a bit further away from Guadalajara Historic Centre but definitely worth the detour. It serves both vegan and non-vegan food and the prices were amazing too.

Additional Things to Do In and Around Guadalajara

Guadalajara is definitely a city that offers a great amount of activities. Therefore, if you’re in the area for a bit longer, stay tuned for some fun day trips and hikes you can easily do from the city:

• 8 Day Trips from the City of Guadalajara, Jalisco – 8 day trips from Guadalajara that you can’t miss.
• How to Spend One Day in Tequila, Jalisco – The best way to spend one day in Tequila, the birthplace of the famous tequila drink located in the state of Jalisco in Mexico.
• How to Spend a Day at Lake Chapala in Jalisco – A guide on how to spend a day at Mexico’s only freshwater lake.
• The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Barranca de Huentitán in Guadalajara, Jalisco – A detailed guide to hiking the iconic Barranca Canyon.

You can also browse my Mexico blog posts for more Mexican adventures.

Final Thoughts on Guadalajara’s Historic Centre

We really enjoyed our stay in Guadalajara and loved walking around its historic centre. The city is packed with historical and religious buildings, museums and squares. I think it’s a city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re visiting solo or as a couple, as a family or as a group of friends. It doesn’t matter if you’re an art, culture, history, religion, food or even photography lover, Guadalajara’s Historic Centre will have something interesting for you.

Have you ever been to Guadalajara Historic Centre before? If so, how much of the area did you manage to explore and what was your favourite spot? If not, would you want to visit Guadalajara, Jalisco? Let me know in the comments below.